Functions & Charters

No matter what your event is, Essex Steam Train & Riverboat can make it extra special with a variety of choices. From the Riverboat to the Dinner Train, to our grounds and facilities, Essex Steam Train can make your event the talk of all your friends!

Dinner Train Charters

Riverboat Charters

Breathtaking views from the Becky Thatcher riverboat set the stage for a memorable party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, family reunion, or corporate event. Our riverboat, a Connecticut River Valley fixture, is available for evening charter, May – October.

Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special

All aboard the HaddamSwing Bridge Fall Special for a delightful all day fall foliage excursion, combining sightseeing, shopping, dining and culture in the towns of Haddam and East Haddam.

Board the historic Essex Steam Train for a late morning departure from Essex Station. The northbound trip skirts untouched woodlands, trestle bridges, tidal marshes and inlets as you revel in the bountiful Connecticut River Valley foliage. Pass through the quaint New England towns of Essex, Deep River and Chester on your journey to Goodspeed Station, serving Haddam and East Haddam. At Goodspeed Station, deboard the train for a 3+ hour visit to this historic river community composed of two towns – Haddam and East Haddam – joined together by the iconic 1913 East Haddam Swing Bridge. Shuttle buses (included) whisk you to your choice of quintessential shoreline stops that include dining, shopping, sightseeing, an eco-riverboat cruise, Eagle Landing State Park – a taste of everything that Haddam and East Haddam have to offer!

This excursion requires moderate walking distances to be covered.
The excursion is not recommended for toddlers / small children; strollers
are not permitted on the Shuttle Buses

Operating Dates

Saturdays & Sundays October 6 – October 21, 2018

All passengers board vintage coach train cars at Essex Station at 11:10 a.m. The train will depart Essex at 11:20 a.m. for a leisurely 55 minute train ride through the beautiful Lower Connecticut River Valley and along the Connecticut River to Haddam, Connecticut. After enjoying your day in Haddam & East Haddam, you will re-board the train to return to Essex Station at 4:30 p.m.

For guests’ convenience, we offered the following three options last year. Each option included the round-trip coach train seating.